Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem took aim at Democrats for the ongoing government shutdown in a new video that will be played on monitors at every public airport in America beginning Thursday afternoon.
As DHS chief, Noem oversees the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
In the video, she tells millions of airline passengers and TSA staff that Democrats’ refusal to fund the federal government has left most TSA workers forced to work without pay.
“It is TSA’s top priority to make sure that you have the most pleasant and efficient airport experience possible while we keep you safe,” Noem said in the clip.
“However, Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government, and because of this, many of our operations are impacted and most of our TSA employees are working without pay.”
She emphasized that TSA is doing everything possible to avoid delays for travelers but warned that patience may run thin as the shutdown continues.
“We will continue to do all that we can to avoid delays that will impact you,” she added.
“Our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government.”
WATCH:
TSA Pay Threatened
If the shutdown drags beyond two weeks, TSA employees will officially miss a paycheck.
While the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 ensures backpay once funding is restored, a new plan from the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) would attempt to revoke those guarantees.
Such a move could ratchet up pressure on Democrats to strike a deal.
As of Thursday, TSA sources said airports have not experienced major disruptions.
However, absenteeism could rise if employees continue working without pay, potentially causing longer security lines nationwide.
A High-Stakes Standoff
The shutdown began at midnight on October 1 after Senate Democrats blocked legislation to extend funding through November 21.
Since then, Republicans have brought six separate funding measures to the floor, all rejected by Democrats.
Although Republicans hold a 53-seat Senate majority, 60 votes are required to pass a continuing resolution.
Only three Democrats have broken with Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), leaving funding efforts stalled.
Schumer, speaking to Punchbowl News, dismissed concerns, saying “every day gets better” for Democrats as federal workers miss paychecks, small businesses are locked out of SBA loans, and vital federal services grind to a halt.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), who said he spoke directly with President Trump on Wednesday night, blasted Schumer’s strategy.
“Democrats have reduced political pain to a prop,” Johnson said.
Johnson is accusing the Senate minority leader of prolonging the shutdown for partisan gain while real families suffer.
The Bigger Picture
The battle over funding highlights the deep partisan divide in Washington.
Trump’s administration has made clear that Democrats are holding up negotiations for political leverage, while Republicans argue they’ve already offered a clean funding resolution with added protections for member security and fixes to D.C.’s budget.
Meanwhile, millions of Americans heading into the fall travel season will now see Secretary Noem’s video.
Noem’s direct message places responsibility for the shutdown squarely at the Democrats’ feet.
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